Catching up with Wendell Young

While hockey fans are getting antsy for October to arrive, Chicago Wolves general manager Wendell Young has not stopped preparing for the 2014-15 season since the final horn of the Western Conference Semifinals in Toronto.

The former Wolves netminder was kind enough to take time out of his busy schedule to discuss the American Hockey League’s new rules, how they might affect who is on the ice, and what he expects from next season’s squad.

Of all the new rules, which should we expect to be the most significant in the 2014-15 season??

The biggest thing we’ll see is overtime moved to seven minutes and eventually moving to three shooters [in the shootout]. The 4-on-4 and 3-on-3 should be exciting and shorten overtime up. We’ll see strategy, such as more speed and skill, as overtime goes on. The smaller rules, like when the helmet gets knocked off players have to get it back on right away, should help limit concussions.

Of all the offseason moves so far, what is one that was crucial for the Wolves?

Having Pat Cannone and Shane Harper back is important, as they were on our top line last year. But everyone is a year older and we expect guys to step up.

Who do you expect to take the next step?

Ty Rattie had a great rookie year and we expect him to build on it. A lot of guys should have improved years, and some of them have a lot to prove.

Is there a sense of balance you hope to have with this year’s team?

We have a great player in (Terry) Broadhurst who joins us. We feel we’re going to be a really well-balanced team. This team has the potential to score a lot of points. Maybe not league-leading, but definitely a handful of guys with a lot of points.